Sequel series to City of God in development at HBO Max

Fernando Meirelles, director of 2002’s City of God, confirms plans for a sequel series to the lauded film that is in development for HBO Max. City of God follows two young kids on diverging paths in the slums of Rio de Janeiro, highlighting the struggles of poor communities in the city. It uniquely utilized a cast of young unknowns, many of whom weren't actors but actual residents of the areas in which they filmed. The movie won numerous awards and was nominated for four Oscars, including Best Director for Meirelles and Best Adapted Screenplay.



During CCXP, Meirelles (photo) was honored for his contributions to Brazilian film, where he revealed plans for a sequel series to City of God. Collider confirmed that the series is in development with HBO Max, hinting that the scripts are almost done, and the streamer is aiming to roll cameras sometime next year. Details on the series are scarce, but according to Meirelles, City of God "talked about the shortcomings of the Comunidades. This time, it's going to be about the power of those Comunidades."

City of God is a powerful film, and with the recognition it received upon release, it allowed the world to see an often neglected area of Rio brought to light. The planned sequel series is also not the first follow-up to the film, as the movie City of Men was released in 2007. City of Men (original title: Cidade dos Homens) featured some of the same characters, focusing on new leads in a story of friendship being tested by the past sins of their fathers.

The film didn't have quite the same impact as City of God but is still regarded as a harrowing tale of kids being forced to grow up quickly in a harsh area. The story of City of Men/Cidade dos Homens was a movie adaptation of the television series Cidade dos Homens, which had four seasons and was co-created by Meirelles.

Despite being released 20 years ago, City of God's themes are still relevant today. The often shocking film exposed disturbing elements about the communities living in the slums of Rio, featuring extreme and cruel violence while also highlighting the lack of government support being given to the people of these poor and Black neighborhoods. Today, communities all over the world are still dealing with these very same problems, meaning many aspects of the movie still, unfortunately, ring true.

Further details of the City of God sequel series will be forthcoming as development continues.